Evaluation of the usefulness of costovertebral angle tenderness in patients with suspected ureteral stone

Abstract

Background: The usefulness of costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness for the diagnosis of a suspected ureteral stone remains controversial. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study included patients aged 16–64 years with acute-onset unilateral lower back pain or abdominal pain. The diagnostic accuracy of CVA tenderness was investigated. Results: In total, 132 patients met the criteria; 80 were diagnosed with ureteral stones. The sensitivity and specificity of CVA tenderness were 0.65 and 0.50, respectively; positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.3 and 0.7, respectively. Conclusions: CVA tenderness cannot be used as a single diagnostic indicator to confirm or exclude ureteral stone diagnosis.